Cuban political scientist and legal expert Roberto Veiga, founder of Cuba Próxima, has highlighted the lack of strategic action among the Cuban opposition and civil society to transform ideas into reality. He asserts that the nation is in disarray and requires rebuilding. Veiga conveyed these views in an extensive interview with 14ymedio, released a month after his return to Cuba following over six years of exile in Spain.
Veiga returned to the island on May 30 without seeking permission from the regime or making any concessions. Upon landing at José Martí International Airport, he was detained for three hours by State Security agents, whose primary focus was to ascertain his financial backers and directives. "No one pays me, no one gives me orders," he replied. He lived under evident surveillance and avoided contact with others for the ensuing two weeks, as he recounted to the media outlet.
The Decision to Return: A Strategic Move
Many friends labeled his decision to come back as "madness," yet it stems from a personal conviction: "The necessary work must be done from within, as events will unfold here." Veiga is convinced that Cuba has reached a critical juncture, though he admits, "it's impossible to predict how and in what direction this will proceed," he shared with interviewer Reinaldo Escobar.
This return marks a strategic shift for Cuba Próxima, established in 2021 as a human rights study center following the July 11 protests, now transitioning into a platform for direct political action. Veiga describes the organization not as a party or movement but as a "platform" with a minimal programmatic project, positioned between democratic liberalism and social democracy: "Not centrist, right, or left, but forward."
Challenges Ahead for Economic Reforms
The organization has proposed a Constitution for a potential constituent assembly, advocating a semi-parliamentary system. "We are prepared to pay any price and bear any political cost to help lift this country out of its current state," he declared.
Regarding the 176 economic measures approved by the National Assembly on June 19—the largest reform package since the Special Period, including private banking and the removal of the universal ration book subsidy—Veiga expressed skepticism. He pointed out that these measures cannot progress without concurrent institutional and political changes: "To implement these reforms, simultaneous institutional and political reforms are necessary, or they won't succeed. Moreover, 99% of current government figures would need to be replaced."
Political Landscape and International Relations
Veiga also dismissed the likelihood of Washington easing the financial opening required by the reforms. "Trump has lost interest in Cuba," he stated, adding that even if the Democrats regain Congress in November, "they won't attempt anything bold" due to political costs. In this context, he emphasized the need for Cuban political actors outside the regime to present credible national proposals: "Those under pressure need an alternative to that pressure."
Veiga's analysis comes as Cuba faces its most severe crisis in decades, with a projected GDP decline between 6.5% and 15%, estimated real inflation around 70% annually, and power outages exceeding 24 hours in several provinces. The energy deficit worsened following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, which halted oil supplies to the island.
He warned that without profound systemic change, Cuba could become a "fourth-world country" or undergo "North Korean-style Haitianization," setting a firm deadline: "Time has run out, but I believe that before the year ends, the process to save Cuba must begin, one way or another."
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges and Future Prospects
What are the main obstacles to implementing reforms in Cuba?
The main obstacles include the need for simultaneous institutional and political changes, as well as the replacement of the majority of current government officials to effectively implement reforms.
Why is Roberto Veiga skeptical about the economic measures approved by the National Assembly?
Veiga is skeptical because he believes these measures cannot succeed without accompanying institutional and political reforms, which are currently lacking.
What is the current state of Cuba's economy?
Cuba's economy is in crisis, with a projected GDP decline between 6.5% and 15%, inflation estimated at around 70% annually, and frequent power outages.
What changes does Veiga believe are necessary for Cuba's future?
Veiga believes profound systemic changes are necessary, along with credible national proposals from political actors outside the regime, to prevent Cuba from becoming a failed state.